U.S. patent number 9,872,247 [Application Number 14/431,646] was granted by the patent office on 2018-01-16 for power preference indicator timer.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Nokia Technologies Oy. The grantee listed for this patent is Nokia Technologies Oy. Invention is credited to Ilkka Keskitalo, Jussi-Pekka Koskinen.
United States Patent |
9,872,247 |
Keskitalo , et al. |
January 16, 2018 |
Power preference indicator timer
Abstract
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention
there is at least a method and an apparatus to perform operations
including starting, by a device of a communications network, a
timer in response to a radio resource control message, where a
power preference indication message is not sent by the device for
at least a duration of the timer.
Inventors: |
Keskitalo; Ilkka (Oulu,
FI), Koskinen; Jussi-Pekka (Oulu, FI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nokia Technologies Oy |
Espoo |
N/A |
FI |
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Assignee: |
Nokia Technologies Oy (Espoo,
FI)
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Family
ID: |
50387054 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/431,646 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2013 |
PCT
Filed: |
September 04, 2013 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/FI2013/050850 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
March 26, 2015 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2014/049198 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
April 03, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150223166 A1 |
Aug 6, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61706844 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W
52/0212 (20130101); H04W 52/0216 (20130101); H04W
76/22 (20180201); H04W 76/12 (20180201); H04W
84/12 (20130101); H04W 52/0229 (20130101); Y02D
30/70 (20200801); Y02B 70/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04W
52/02 (20090101); H04W 84/12 (20090101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2079269 |
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Jul 2009 |
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EP |
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2014-045447 |
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Mar 2014 |
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JP |
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2015-530017 |
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Oct 2015 |
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JP |
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2011-0083706 |
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Jul 2011 |
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KR |
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2433544 |
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Nov 2011 |
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RU |
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2010/054391 |
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May 2010 |
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WO |
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WO-2011157364 |
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Dec 2011 |
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WO |
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2014/020569 |
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Feb 2014 |
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WO |
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2014/034538 |
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Mar 2014 |
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WO |
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2014/037609 |
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Mar 2014 |
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WO |
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Other References
R2-124364 Change Request, ZTE Corporation, "Introduction of Power
preference indication", Aug. 13-17 2002, 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting
#79. cited by examiner .
"LTE;Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA);Radio
Resource Control (RRC);Protocol specification", ETSI TS 136 331,
V11.1.0, Nov. 2012, pp. 1-328. cited by applicant .
"PPI transmission", 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #79bis, R2-12xxxx,
Agenda item: x.x.x, Nokia Corporation, Oct. 8-12, 2012, 3 Pages.
cited by applicant .
"3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group
Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
(E-UTRA); Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol specification
(Release 11)", 3GPP TS 36.331, V11.0.0, Jun. 2012, pp. 1-302. cited
by applicant .
Office action received for corresponding Singapore Patent
Application No. 11201502345U, dated Dec. 30, 2015, 7 pages. cited
by applicant .
Office action received for corresponding Japanese Patent
Application No. 2015-533647, dated Mar. 10, 2016, 6 pages of office
action and No page of office action translation available. cited by
applicant .
"Summary of Email Discussion [78#43] LTE/EDDA: Power Preference
Indication", 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #79, R2-123413, Agenda item:
7.2.2.1, ZTE, Aug. 13-17, 2012, 21 pages. cited by applicant .
"Further Details On UE Assistance For Power Preference", 3GPP
TSG-RAN WG2 #79, R2-123763, Agenda Item: 71.2.1, Ericsson, Aug.
13-17, 2012, pp. 1-3. cited by applicant .
"Details Of Power Preference Indication", 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting
#79, R2-123732, Agenda item: 7.2.2.1, Research In Motion UK
Limited, Aug. 13-17, 2012, 5 pages. cited by applicant .
Extended European Search Report received for corresponding European
Patent Application No. 13841457.8, dated Apr. 28, 2016, 7 pages.
cited by applicant .
"Introduction Of Power Preference Indication", 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2
Meeting #79, R2-124364, Current version: 11.0.0, ZTE Corporation,
Aug. 13-17, 2012, 18 pages. cited by applicant .
"Introduction Of Power Preference Indication (Option a + RRC
Signalling)", 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #79, R2-123414, Current
version: 11.0.0, ZTE, Aug. 13-17, 2012, 18 pages. cited by
applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion received for
corresponding Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.
PCT/FI2013/050850, dated Jun. 2, 2011, 12 pages. cited by applicant
.
Office action received for corresponding Korean Patent Application
No. 2015-7010990, dated Mar. 11, 2016, 6 pages of office action and
no pages of office action translation available. cited by applicant
.
"3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group
Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
(E-UTRA); Radio Resource Control (RRC);Protocol specification
(Release 11)", 3GPP TS 36.331, V11.1.0, Sep. 2012, pp. 1-325. cited
by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Mattis; Jason
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and
Popeo, P.C.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application was originally filed as PCT Application No.
PCT/FI2013/050850 filed Sep. 4, 2013 which claims priority benefit
from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/706,844, filed Sep. 28,
2012.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: receiving, at a device of a communication
network and prior to sending a power preference indication message,
a radio resource control message; and starting, by the device of
the communications network and in response to the receiving of the
radio resource control message, a power preference indication delay
timer, the power preference indication delay timer prohibiting a
power preference indication message from being sent by the device
for at least a duration of the power preference indication delay
timer.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the radio resource
control message relates to one of a radio resource connection setup
procedure and a radio resource connection re-configuration
procedure associated with the device.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the power preference
indication delay timer is started based on an indication that one
of the radio resource connection setup procedure and the radio
resource connection re-configuration is completed.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the indication
comprises one of a radio resource connection setup completion
message and a radio resource connection re-configuration completion
message.
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein one of the radio
resource connection setup procedure and the radio resource
connection re-configuration procedure relates to a handover
operation.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the duration of the
power preference indication timer is set based on information
received from the communication network.
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: based on an
expiration of the power preference indication timer, sending a
power preference indication message towards the network.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the power preference
indication message comprises a powerprefindication value, the
powerprefindication value indicating that the device is in one of a
low power consumption mode and a normal power consumption mode.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein starting the power
preference indication timer comprises restarting a T340 timer.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with
a computer program code, the computer program code executable by a
processor to perform actions comprising: receiving, at a device of
a communication network and prior to sending a power preference
indication message, a radio resource control message; and starting,
by the device of the communications network and in response to the
receiving of the radio resource control message, a power preference
indication delay timer, the power preference indication delay timer
prohibiting a power preference indication message from being by the
device for at least a duration of the power preference indication
delay timer.
11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least
one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least
one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the
at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least:
receive, at the apparatus and prior to sending a power preference
indication message, a radio resource control message; and start a
power preference indication delay timer in response to the receipt
of the radio resource control message, the power preference
indication delay timer prohibiting a power preference indication
message from being sent by the apparatus for at least a duration of
the power preference indication delay timer.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the radio resource
control message relates to one of a radio resource connection setup
procedure and a radio resource connection re-configuration
procedure associated with the device.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power
preference indication timer is started based on an indication that
one of the radio resource connection setup procedure and the radio
resource connection re-configuration is completed.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the indication
comprises one of a radio resource connection setup completion
message and a radio resource connection re-configuration completion
message.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one of the
radio resource connection setup procedure and the radio resource
connection re-configuration procedure relates to a handover
operation.
16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the duration of
the power preference indication timer is set based on information
received from the communication network.
17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
memory including the computer program code is configured with the
at least one processor, to cause the apparatus, based on an
expiration of the power preference indication timer, to send a
power preference indication message towards the network.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the power
preference indication message comprises a powerprefindication
value, the powerprefindication value indicating that the apparatus
is in one of a low power consumption mode and a normal power
consumption mode.
19. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein starting the power
preference indication timer comprises restarting a T340 timer.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the duration of
the power preference indication timer is based on a duration of the
T340 timer.
21. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus is
further configured to at least: set a length of the power
preference indication delay timer, the length of the power
preference indication delay timer being based on a length of
another delay timer in the resource control message.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the
invention relate to enhanced diverse data applications (eDDA), and
RRC connected modes and for user equipment with sparse/infrequent
data transmission. The exemplary embodiments of the invention at
least provide a DRX, mobility, signaling load, and network
connection release timer.
BACKGROUND
This section is intended to provide a background or context to the
invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may
include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily
ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore,
unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this
section is not prior art to the description and claims in this
application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in
this section.
Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or
in the Figures are herewith defined as follows: ARQ automatic
repeat-request CQI channel quality indication C-RNTI cell radio
network temporary identifier DRB data radio bearer DRX
discontinuous reception DL downlink eDDA enhancements for diverse
data application eNB base station HARQ hybrid automatic
repeat-request HFN hyper frame number IDC in-device co-existence IE
information element NAS non-access stratum Node B base station in
UTRAN MAC medium access control layer PDCP packet data convergence
protocol layer PHY physical layer PPI power preference indication
QoS quality of service RACH random access channel RAN radio access
network RLC radio link control RN relay node RPLMN registered
public land mobile network RRC radio resource control RS reference
signal SDU service data unit SFN system frame number SMC security
mode command SN serving network UE user equipment
A long-term evolution (LTE) system, initiated by the third
generation partnership project (3GPP), is a radio interface and
network architecture that provides high data rates, low latency,
and packet optimization with improved system capacity and coverage.
In the LTE system, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access
network (EUTRAN) includes a plurality of evolved Node-Bs (eNBs) and
communicates with a plurality of mobile stations, also referred to
as user equipment (UE). The radio protocol stacks of E-UTRAN
includes a radio resource control layer (RRC), a packet data
convergence protocol layer (PDCP), a radio link control layer
(RLC), a medium access control layer (MAC), and a physical layer
(PHY).
Radio resource control (RRC) signaling can include RRC connection
reconfiguration signaling used by eNBs and UEs to modify a RRC
connection, such as to establish/modify/release the RRC connection,
to perform handover, to setup/modify/release measurements, and to
establish/modify/release radio bearers. RRC states include a RRC
Idle state where user equipment is not actively communicating with
a radio access network, and RRC Connected state where the radio is
active and connected to an eNB. The eNB has a downlink signaling
configurations determining the time instants where the UE shall
receive the scheduling and paging information. For power saving
purposes, an eNB may configure time periods when the UE shall
monitor downlink control signals. During other times the UE is
allowed to go to power saving mode during which eNB cannot assume
that the UE would listen for downlink signals. This relates to a
discontinuous reception (DRX) period, which causes the UE to shut
off its radio for periods of time to save power.
As coverage of data networks has increased, such as including WiFi
networks, the demand for diverse smartphone applications also have
increased. The significant amount of mobile applications present
challenges to connectivity and power savings operations of the
devices in view of the ubiquitous nature of these applications. One
such challenge relates to these mobile applications running in the
background on a UE which tend to require an always on connection
with the network.
SUMMARY
In an exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a method
comprising: starting, by a device of a communications network, a
timer in response to a radio resource control message, where a
power preference indication message is not sent by the device for
at least a duration of the timer.
In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus
comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory
including computer program code, where the at least one memory and
the computer program code are configured, with the at least one
processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: start a timer in
response to a radio resource control message, where a power
preference indication message is not sent by the device for at
least a duration of the timer.
In yet another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an
apparatus comprising: means for starting a timer in response to a
radio resource control message, where a power preference indication
message is not sent by the device for at least a duration of the
timer.
In accordance with the exemplary aspect of the invention as in the
paragraph above, the means for starting comprises a timer, and a
computer readable medium including computer program code, the
computer program code executed by at least one processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of this invention
are made more evident in the following Detailed Description, when
read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:
FIG. 1A is a conventional signaling diagram illustrating a
successful RRC connection establishment;
FIG. 1B is a conventional signaling diagram illustrating network
reject of an RRC connection establishment procedure;
FIG. 2A illustrates a communication of UE assistance information
signaling between an E-UTRAN network and a UE;
FIG. 2B illustrates RRC connection reconfiguration signaling
relevant to the method in accordance with the exemplary embodiments
of the invention;
FIG. 3A illustrates a PPI operation with a long RRC connection;
FIG. 3B illustrates connectivity mode operations using a timer, in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various electronic
devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary
embodiments presented herein; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a method in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there
is at least a method to provide enhanced diverse data applications
(eDDA) and power savings for UE RRC connected modes with sparse
and/or intermittent data transmissions by the data applications.
The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide at least a
method for a DRX, mobility, signaling load, and/or network
connection release timer.
In order to optimize UE power savings, embodiments of the invention
provide techniques to keep the UE and network synchronized in
whichever power mode the UE is in to at least allowing successful
background application data traffic. These techniques, as will be
discussed in detail below, include a capability for the UE to
provide power preference indications in an RRC procedure to a
network device, such as an eNB, and a new timer for use in a timing
of the power preference indications from the UE.
One specification of interest is 3GPP TS 36.331 V11.0.0 (2012-06)
3.sup.rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification
Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio
Access (E-UTRA); Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol
specification (Release 10), incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIG. 1A reproduces FIG. 5.3.5.1-1 of 3GPP TS 36.331, and shows the
overall RRC connection establishment procedure. As illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the UE starts the radio resource control (RRC) connection.
The UE sends an RRCConnectionRequest message 100 requesting RRC
connection setup to evolved universal terrestrial radio access
network (EUTRAN) device(s), such as an eNB. The EUTRAN device(s)
sets up a radio link and sends the UE an RRCConnectionSetup message
110, the message comprising physical channel information. After the
UE has synchronized itself with the EUTRAN, it transmits an
acknowledgement RRCConnectionSetupComplete message 120, and the UE
may then send higher-layer messages, such as a call setup
message.
FIG. 1B reproduces FIG. 5.3.5.1-2 of 3GPP TS 36.331, and shows the
overall RRC network reject procedure. FIG. 1B illustrates an
example of an RRC connection failure. The EUTRAN device(s) can fail
an attempt to set up a radio link. Such a failure can be due to
hardware blocking, or an admission control can reject a setup
attempt. In such a situation, in response to an
RRCConnectionRequest message 140 the EUTRAN device transmits an
RRCConnectionReject message 150.
FIG. 2A illustrates a communication of UE assistance information
between an E-UTRAN network and a UE in response to an RRC
connection reconfiguration procedure. As shown in FIG. 2A at line
200 the EU and EUTRAN exchange RRC connection reconfiguration
signaling. Then at line 250 the UE send UE assistance information
to the EUTRAN. The purpose of this procedure is to inform E-UTRAN
of assistance information, which may include the UE's power saving
preference. Otherwise E-UTRAN may assume that the UE prefers a
default configuration for power saving initially when it configures
and enables the UE for power preference indication. The novel
operations as discussed herein works to reduce signaling related to
such RRC and power saving preference signaling.
FIG. 2B illustrates an RRC connection reconfiguration operation as
discussed in 3GPP TS 36.331 V11.0.0. The exemplary embodiments of
the invention as discussed herein include a modification of an RRC
connection, such as the signaling shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B
pertaining to 3GPP TS 36.331 V11.0.0 and more particularly section
5.3.5 of 3GPP TS 36.331. This RRC reconfiguration procedure is to
establish/modify/release RBs, to perform handover, to
setup/modify/release measurements, to add/modify/release SCells. As
part of the procedure, NAS dedicated information may be transferred
from E-UTRAN to the UE. As shown in FIG. 2B at line 200 the EU and
EUTRAN exchange RRC connection reconfiguration signaling. Then as
shown in line 260 the UE signals an RRCConnectionComplete message
to the EUTRAN. Section 5.3.5 of 3GPP TS 36.331 includes further
description of signaling performed before the RRC connection
reconfiguration is complete. The embodiments of the invention
relate to power preference indication (PH) signaling and a timer
for use in at least the communications involved in RRC related
signaling such as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The novel operations as
discussed herein using the signaling and timer benefiting at least
the UE and the network operator by reducing the signaling using a
power preference indication (PPI) timer in accordance with the
embodiments of the invention.
A problem addressed here relates to signaling optimization for
powerPrefindication (PPI) and how to keep the UE and network
synchronized which mode the UE is in at each time instant. PPI is a
one bit indication and the assumption has been that there is a
"default" configuration when there is no specific reason to try to
achieve reduced power consumption at the UE. In such situation the
connection configuration and state control can be based on QoS
requirements for example. This "default" configuration is sent by
the network after the connection has been set up.
The PPI indication is restricted to lowpowerconsumption value only
when sent for the first time after connection setup. The network
assumes the UE being in the normal or `default` mode when new data
transfer starts after the UE was in idle state. This is captured in
the latest change request CR (in 3GPP TS 36.331 5.3.15.1) with the
statement:
E-UTRAN may assume that the UE prefers a default configuration for
power saving initially when it configures and enables the UE for
power preference indication.
If the traffic is generated by applications actively used by a user
of a UE, such as smart phone applications, the default
configuration should be suitable to carry the data with a targeted
QoS. On the other hand, if for example traffic is from applications
running in the background such as monitoring email, status updates
for instant message service and/or social networking, the UE can
send a PPI indicating a value of lowpowerconsumption, provided that
the PPI signaling is allowed by the network. This
lowpowerconsumption indication enables the UE to trigger a
connection re-configuration for lower power consumption while still
enabling data traffic from applications running in the background
on the UE.
Following the principle of restricting the first PPI indication to
lowpowerconsumption only there will be a reduction of required UE
assistance signaling. This is for at least the reason that PPI
signaling can be avoided in all cases where the power consumption
is not a priority for the connection configuration. By this, the
signaling load can be reduced as only other values associated with
the assistance information need be sent.
Further, in accordance with the invention a RAN#57 approved change
request for 3GPP TS 36.331 regarding a power preference indication
is as follows: 5.3.15.2 Initiation
A UE capable of providing power preference indications in
RRC_CONNECTED may initiate the procedure only if
the received powerPrefIndicationConfig includes the
powerPrefindication-Enabled; and the UE did not indicate any power
saving preference since last entering RRC_CONNECTED on the current
Pcell, or the current UE preference is different from the one
indicated in the last transmission of the UEAssistanceInformation
message to the current Pcell; and timer T340 is not running. Upon
initiating the procedure, the UE shall: if the UE prefers a default
configuration for power saving: start timer T340 with the timer
value set to the powerPrefindication-Timer; and initiate
transmission of the UEAssistanceInformation message in accordance
with 5.3.15.3 OF 3GPP TS 36.331;
According to the agreed specification text, signaling load can be
reduced by using the prohibit timer T340 which prevents the UE from
sending its next indication with the value lowpowerconsumption. The
prohibit timer T340 is started when a PPI is sent with "default"
mode as the value (after being in the power optimized mode). The
prohibit time mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 3A where the
underlying assumption is that the UE is kept in the RRC connected
state either due to long data transmission or a long connection
release timer (e.g., a network parameter to control the RRC
connection releases).
There are two basic scenarios that should be considered regarding
the time restriction for the power preference indication, namely:
a) UE is kept continuously connected (e.g., with a long connection
release timer) or b) the connection is released soon after data
burst transmission.
FIG. 3A illustrates a current PPI/power saving operation or low
power preference at 315 with a long RRC connection using a prohibit
timer T340 340. As shown in FIG. 3A the prohibit timer 340 is
started only at the last PPI transmission 320 indicating a
PPI/default configuration, i.e., not a low power optimized
configuration. In this case currently specified prohibit timer
(T340) works well and is able to reduce the signaling load by
avoiding excessive PPI signaling procedures due to frequent changes
between default and power saving modes. T340 is a configurable
timer where the values range between 0 (zero)-600 s. Zero value
means that there is no filtering of PPI indications. The T340 timer
is started only in the case when the UE sends the PPI preferring a
default configuration. Usage of a single prohibit timer (T340)
should be able to eliminate excessive signalling and the impact to
user experience due to PPI transmission. The problem of not
starting prohibit timer at other times is the possible overhead
that is caused by excessive signalling caused by the consecutive
PPIs, but the benefit of such approach is that when UE requires
configuration meeting the QOS targets they can be requested quickly
and service is not degraded.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention there
is an improved prohibit mechanism with another timer that is
related to RRC procedures and started when the RRC connection is
set up. Allowing PPI any time after the connection setup may result
in a prohibitively large signaling load without any, or even with
negative, impact on UE power consumption. With the new timer (T3xx)
excessive signaling will be avoided and the smart phone operation
in the "background" mode can be optimized.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, an RRC message
sending prohibit mechanism would be enhanced so that a new prohibit
timer (T3xx) is started also at configuration of the feature (e.g.
PPI, IDC etc.) Configuration of this novel feature may happen for
example (e.g., in LTE case) by RRC Connection Reconfiguration (with
or without mobility control info), RRC connection Setup, and RRC
connection Reestablishment etc. The new timer value could be
signaled, statically specified or could be in relation to other
timer values (e.g., T340 in case of PPI)
plus/minus/divided/multiplied with some value.
In this case, the connection may be activated just to send a small
packet e.g. when the running applications are generating only
background traffic (this can be typical traffic generated by smart
phones). For just a short connection it is does not make sense to
initiate the PPI signaling procedure if the connection is soon to
be released. FIG. 3B illustrates such a scenario.
To avoid such problem, there is proposed the new timer for the
transmission of the PPI with value lowpowerconsumption (which
indication is likely for background traffic) which would be started
in the beginning of the connection setup, at or during the
connection set up procedure, and at or during the connection
re-configuration signaling following the connection set up
signaling procedure. The new timer could in principle be also a
fixed value specified in the RRC specification. In addition, the
new timer can be variable, such as dependent on signaling
conditions.
Another option, instead of a timer usage, to prevent unnecessary
PPI indication would be to use the amount of data in the buffer
whether to send the indication or not. If there is only small
amount of data in the buffer the PPI signaling can be delayed.
There could be a specific threshold for the amount of data in the
buffer whether to start the PPI signaling or not. Similarly to
T3xxx the threshold can be configurable by the network, or the
threshold can be fixed in the specification. The buffer status
works for user equipment generated data but is not applicable for
data transfer coming from the network.
The configurability of the timer T3xx allows adaptation to
different operating scenarios. The configurable values for the new
T3xx timer can start from "0" allowing also immediate PPI
indication if the network so wishes. When/if configurable, the new
timer can have a separate information element (IE) in the
configuration message, or it can be related to the T340
configuration. In the latter case, the value of the new timer can
be the same as T340 value so that there would be only one value
configured which would be applied for both timers, T3xx and T340.
Alternatively, the value used for T3xx can be derived from the
configured T340 value e.g. being a fraction or multiple of that,
T340 value subtracted or added by a constant, or the like. If there
is a separate IE for the T3xx it will be applied as such. The
network may set the time period for T3xx to align with the length
of the connection release timer applied for that particular
connection so that the prohibit time (value of the T3xx) would be
somewhat longer than the release timer in order not to expire
before the connection release. Then if there is no new data (after
the initial data packet), the connection will be released at the
expiry of the connection release timer and when the T3xx has not
expired. This will prevent the PPI signaling during the whole time
period when there is RRC connection for the data packet/burst
transmission. Alternatively, the release timer value can be
signaled in other messages, either in broadcast or dedicated
signaling to be used as the basis for setting the value of T3xx.
The used T3xx value should obviously be the release time plus some
time margin in order to prevent T3xx expiry prior to release timer
expiry. The margin could also be a fixed value or configurable.
FIG. 3B illustrate a method using a new T3xx timer (385) in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3B
illustrates a situation with frequent RRC state transitions and
with intermittent (small data packet--which is typical for smart
phones with applications running on the "background") transmission.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the network assumes
or reconfigures 360 the UE to a default power mode after the RRC
connection 350 is set up. The PPI signaling is enabled during this
signaling procedure. Without the new timer T3xx 385, if the UE is
in "background" mode and power saving is preferred (this can last
for several hours e.g. during the nights), and the PPI signaling is
enabled, UE will send a PPI 365 with value indicating
lowpowerconsumption. The RAN node may then start a RRC connection
re-configuration 375 signaling procedure in order to change the
connection parameters to maximize the power saving. When the new
prohibit timer T3xx 385 is used, the UE is not sending the PPI
while T3xx is running and there will not be consequent connection
re-configuration initiated by the network. The new PPI prohibit
timer T3xx 385 may run beyond the connection release 380 hence
avoiding the PPI and re-configuration signaling procedures during
this (short) connection time. During the next data burst
transmission 390 the signaling reduction with the new PPI prohibit
timer 385 can again be achieved.
The same procedures described above may be repeated in the
following connections as the PPI "configuration" may be deleted
when the connection is released. This sequence will happen
according to the traffic pattern that the (background) data
transfer happens. The interval can be as short as mere seconds
resulting in an unacceptably high load in RRC signaling with only a
very small amount of traffic payload that is transferred.
Furthermore, with short connection times the power optimized
configuration can have only marginal improvement, which can become
even negative due to excessive signaling procedures.
Several implementation mechanisms for the timer T3xx are possible,
but some examples are briefly described. Prohibit timer T3xx: is a
completely new timer which may be configured the same way as T340
or in another configuration message can be a fixed time defined in
the specification can be informed by broadcasted messages can be
the same or have the same value as configured T340 can be derived
from T340, e.g. certain fraction or T340, T340+1--suitable value,
or the like can be based on the data buffer status, only if the
buffered data amount exceeds a certain threshold the UE is allowed
to send the PPI indication If the data amount is lower than a given
threshold, UE can start the prohibit timer for PPI transmission the
data amount in the buffer may be used as such, i.e. without using a
timer, to prohibit the PPI signaling; if the data amount is lower
than a given threshold, the UE will suspend the PPI signaling as
long as there is not new data arriving (and exceeding the given
threshold), if sufficient amount of new data arrives, and power
optimization is preferred, the UE can send the PPI this may be
limited to UE initiated data transfer where the UE is aware of the
data in the transfer buffer may be started only if the PPI
indication is enabled The exemplary embodiments of the invention
provide at least the advantages: signaling load will be minimized
particularly for smart phones operating in background mode, or,
generally when only intermittent data transfer occur; negative
impacts on UE power consumption are overcome can be implemented
with a simple mechanism with only minor specification impact; the
embodiments of the invention can be specified on top of an already
agreed prohibit mechanism.
FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various electronic
devices and apparatus that are suitable for use in practicing the
exemplary embodiments of this invention. In FIG. 4 a wireless
network (network access node 22, and higher network node 24) is
adapted for communication over wireless link 21, and possibly link
23, with an apparatus, such as a mobile terminal or UE 20. The
higher network node 24 may be implemented in the LTE system as a
mobility management entity (MME) which provides connectivity with
further networks (e.g., publicly switched telephone networks
(PSTNs) or a data communications network/Internet). In addition,
the wireless link 21 may be used by applications running in the
background on the UE 20. These applications may be performing
sparse/infrequent data transmission via the network node 22 or
another network node and the Internet 40.
The UE 20 includes processing means such as at least one data
processor (DP) 20A, storing means such as at least one
computer-readable memory (MEM) 20B storing at least one computer
program (PROG) 20C or more generally computer program code,
communicating means such as a transmitter TX 20D and a receiver RX
20E for bidirectional wireless communications with the node B 22
via one or more antennas 20F. Further, stored in the MEM 20B, for
at least the RRC/PPI unit 20G, is at least the information related
to exemplary embodiments of the invention including means for
initiating an RRC establishment with a network node and providing
connection information to the network node, such as the network
node 22, and means for implementing a RRC/PPI timer 200 for a
transmission of a PPI with a value of lowpowerconsumption which
will be started at RRC connection setup and/or reconfiguration.
The network access node 22 also includes processing means such as
at least one data processor (DP) 22A, storing means such as at
least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 22B storing at least one
computer program (PROG) 22C or more generally computer program
code, and communicating means such as a transmitter TX 22D and a
receiver RX 22E for bidirectional wireless communications with at
least the UE 20 via one or more antennas 22F. Further, also stored
in the MEM 22B, for at least the RRC/PPI unit 22G, is the
information related to the exemplary embodiments including
receiving the information comprising the mobility state of the UE
20, as well as programming code executable for implementing a
RRC/PPI timer 22G for a reception of a PPI with a value of
lowpowerconsumption at RRC connection setup and/or reconfiguration,
in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Similarly, the higher network node 24 includes processing means
such as at least one data processor (DP) 24A, storing means such as
at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 24B storing at least
one computer program (PROG) 24C or more generally computer program
code, and communicating means for bidirectional communications with
at least the network access node 22 via the data/control path 25.
Further, similar to the network access node 22, stored in the MEM
24B, for at least the RRC/PPI unit 24G, is the information related
to the exemplary embodiments of the invention including receiving
information comprising a mobility state of UE, should the need
arise for the higher network node 24 to have this information, as
well as computer program code configured to cause the higher
network node 24 to receive information comprising a PPI with a
value of lowpowerconsumption sent by the UE 20, as in accordance
with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. While not
particularly illustrated for the UE 20 or network node 22 each of
those devices are also assumed to include as part of their wireless
communicating means which may be inbuilt on a radiofrequency RF
front end chip within those devices 20 and 22 and which chip also
carries the TX 20D/22D and the RX 20E/22E.
At least one of the PROGs 20C in the UE 20 is assumed to include
program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 20A,
enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary
embodiments of this invention, as detailed more fully above. In
this regard the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be
implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM
20B which is executable by the DP 20A of the UE 20, or by hardware,
or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and
tangibly stored firmware). Electronic devices implementing these
aspects of the invention need not be the entire UE 20, but
exemplary embodiments may be implemented by one or more components
of same such as the above described tangibly stored software,
hardware, firmware and DP, or a system on a chip SOC or an
application specific integrated circuit ASIC or a digital signal
processor DSP or a subscriber identity module commonly referred to
as a SIM card.
In general, the various embodiments of the UE 20 can include, but
are not limited to: cellular telephones; data cards, USB dongles,
personal portable digital devices having wireless communication
capabilities including but not limited to laptop/palmtop/tablet
computers, digital cameras and music devices, and Internet
appliances.
Various embodiments of the devices in FIG. 4, such as the computer
readable memories MEM 20B, MEM 22B, and MEM 24B, include any data
storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical
environment, including but not limited to semiconductor based
memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory
devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory,
flash memory, DRAM, SRAM, EEPROM and the like. Various embodiments
of the DP 20A include but are not limited to general purpose
computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital
signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.
It is noted that the use of the term "T340" to identify the tinier
whose operations are described above is non-limiting. In accordance
with the exemplary embodiments of the invention the T340 timer, as
described above, can be identified using a different type of
labeling and/or name.
FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a method in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In
regards to FIG. 5, at block 510 there is a step of starting, by a
device of a communications network, a timer in response to a radio
resource control message, where a power preference indication
message is not sent by the device for at least a duration of the
timer
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraph above, the radio resource control
message relates to one of a radio resource connection setup
procedure and a radio resource connection re-configuration
procedure associated with the device.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, the timer is started based on an
indication that the one of the radio resource connection setup
procedure and the radio resource connection re-configuration is
completed.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, the indication comprises one of
a radio resource connection setup completion message and a radio
resource connection re-configuration completion message.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, the one of the radio resource
connection setup procedure and the radio resource connection
re-configuration procedure relates to a handover operation.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, a duration of the timer is set
based on information received from the communication network.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above there is, based on an expiration
of the timer, sending a power preference indication message towards
the network.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, the power preference indication
message comprises a powerprefindication value.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, the powerprefindication value
indicates that the device is in one of a low power consumption mode
or a normal power consumption mode.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, where starting the timer
comprises restarting a T340 timer.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention as
described in the paragraphs above, a duration of the timer is based
on a duration of the T340 timer.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there
is at least a computer readable medium, such as memories 20B, 22B,
and/or 24B embodying computer programs code, the computer program
code executable by at least one of the data processors 20A, 22A,
and/or 24A to perform at least the operations as described in the
paragraphs above.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there
is an apparatus comprising: means for starting a timer in response
to a radio resource control message, where a power preference
indication message is not sent by the device for at least a
duration of the timer.
In accordance with the exemplary aspect of the invention as in the
paragraph above, the means for starting comprises a timer, and a
computer readable medium including computer program code, the
computer program code executed by at least one processor.
In addition, various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing
exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to
those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing
description. While the exemplary embodiments have been described
above in the context of the EUTRAN system, it should be appreciated
that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited
for use with only this one particular type of wireless
communication system, and that they may be used to advantage in
other wireless communication systems such as for example GERAN,
UTRAN and others.
In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware
or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination
thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware,
while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software
which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other
computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto.
While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and
described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other
pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks,
apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be
implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software,
firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose
hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some
combination thereof.
Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various
components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of
integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process.
Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a
logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be
etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.
The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and
non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the
best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors
for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and
adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant
arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However,
all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this
invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.
It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any
variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or
indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the
presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements
that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or
connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a
combination thereof As employed herein two elements may be
considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of
one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as
well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as
electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency
region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and
invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive
examples.
Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of
this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding
use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be
considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the
invention, and not in limitation thereof.
* * * * *